Oamaru is to host about 100 promising young football players and 15 top coaches next week at a South Island Talent Centre being organised by Football NZ to speed up player development and progress on the world stage.
The three talent centres are part of an initiative Football NZ started last year. Oamaru is being used as a venue for this centre because the Christchurch earthquake disrupted plans.
However, one of the organisers, Waitaki Boys' High School teacher Andy Lane, said depending on how this one goes, Oamaru could be considered for future centres.
Waitaki Boys' High School boarding accommodation and sports grounds are being used as the base for the centre.
Girls and boys aged between 12 and 17 are selected for the programme from throughout the South Island.
Included among the coaches coming to Oamaru is Football Ferns coach and director of football development, John Herdman.
